Keotshepile Phetwe Desires to Etablish Her Own Dojo

Keotshepile Phetwe, a devoted athlete from Lehurutshe in Zeerust who practises karate, is eighteen years old.

When she was in grade 4 in 2016, her parents first introduced her to karate which she finds to be very rewarding as it has helped her feel empowered and confident, and she hasn't turned back since.

Phetwe believes that karate does not receive as much exposure as other sports, and one approach to raise knowledge about the sport is to collaborate with a local school or community centre to offer karate courses as an after-school programme.

One of her highlights was when she had an impact on several of her classmates through her love for the sport.

Keotshepile Phetwe tells us more about her aspirations in this article.

Keo, thank you for your time. Please tell us about yourself and where you are from?

My name is Keotshepile Phetwe and I'm from Lehurutshe. I'm 18 years old, currently schooling at Zeerust Combined School.

I'm a friendly, outgoing, and sociable person. I love meeting new people and making new friends. I'm also very patient and easygoing, and I try to be positive in every situation. I'm a hard worker and I always give my best effort.

I'm a driven, competitive, and passionate sports woman. I always strive to be the best I can be, and I'm constantly pushing myself to new heights. I love the challenge and excitement of competition, and I thrive under pressure. Most of all, I enjoy the camaraderie and teamwork of being a part of my team. Sports has made me more disciplined, confident, and focused.

When and where did your love for sports begin and why Karate?

I developed my love for karate when I was in grade 4, in 2016 through a strong motivation from my parents. Karate is an incredibly challenging sport that requires focus, precision, and dedication. I find the physical and mental discipline involved in karate to be very rewarding. I also love the way karate teaches self-defense and self-control. It helps me to feel empowered and confident, and it gives me a sense of purpose and direction. Plus, the community of karate practitioners is so supportive and welcoming. I've made so many friends through karate, and I feel like I've found a second family. It's truly a special sport.

What would you say is the misconception about Karate?

Many people think that karate is just about fighting, but in reality, karate is a martial art that emphasizes self-defense, discipline, and self-control. Some people would say karate is only for men, not knowing that Karate is practiced by people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. Lastly people always assume that karate is dangerous, in fact, proper training and safety precautions make karate a safe and effective form of physical activity.

What has been some for your career highlights?

I've been fortunate to have had many career highlights over the years. One that stands out is when I was recognized i could train some of my classmates and had an impact on them. Ever since I started doing karate i dreamt of having my own Dojo. It amazing to see the positive impact I can have on others, and to help them achieve their own goals.

What do you think of North West the state of karate in the Province? Is it getting much exposure like other sporting codes, if not, what needs to be done?

In North West karate is not getting that much exposure compared to other sports and I think that maybe one way to promote karate is to hold an open house at every local karate dojo. This could involve a free trial class for anyone interested in learning about karate. Another idea is to partner with a local schools or community center to offer karate classes as an after-school program. This would not only introduce more people to the karate, but it would also help foster a sense of community and camaraderie. Additionally, a local karate tournament could be organized to generate more excitement and awareness about karate. 

What’s your advice to those who want to do karate?

If ever there are people who want to do karate, they must look for a reputable dojo that aligns with their goals and values. Ask about their teaching philosophy, class structure, and safety protocols. One great advice is that they must not try to master everything at once, try to be patient and focus on building a strong foundation. Be consistent, attend classes regularly and practice at home to develop strength, flexibility, and coordination. And most importantly they must have fun, above all, remember that karate should be enjoyable.

What can we expect from you in the near future?

I always wanted to go to military school ever since I was a little girl. I'm focused on setting and achieving my goals and to pursue my dream. I'm m passionate about learning and growing, and I'm taking steps to invest in my education and training. For my short term goal, I would like to have my own Dojo. I'm committed to staying focused and motivated, even when it gets tough.

It is pleasing to have such a massive support from families, friends, associates and society at large in the sport that I decided to pursue i.e. KARATE. And I truly thank you for having me.

Photo: Keotshepile Phetwe Desires to Etablish Her Own Dojo(supplied)